The new manager of a failing care home has vowed to turn it into a place that “is above and beyond fantastic”.

Lancam Care Home, in Netherlands Road, New Barnet, was given an inadequate rating after a surprise inspection from the Care Quality Commission.

The report highlighted how one room had a strong smell of sewage, but staff made no effort to address it.

It also reported concerns about the “disrespectful” way staff treat residents and how health issues were not always addressed.

But Kresh Ramanash, who has degrees in pharmacology and physiology and is qualified in adult and mental health nursing, has promised to change that.

He said: “I want to turn this place into a centre of excellence but that won’t happen overnight. And when we get to that point, I don’t want to stop there – I want to go beyond that.

“We’ll be above and beyond fantastic and I am currently drafting a plan, but I don’t want to rush into anything, I want to be achievable.

“There have been issues such as lack of resources and staff who aren’t skilled, which was unfortunate, but that’s about to change.

“Lessons will be learnt from past mistakes and those mistakes will never repeat themselves. I can guarantee you that.”

The report also said that audit systems were not effective in assessing and monitoring the risk of unsafe or inappropriate care.

Mr Ramanash is also determined to create a 24-hour activity plan which will be tailored to each person’s needs.

He added: “We want it to be well structured – even if they are sitting down and doing nothing.

“The care won’t be routine, even when they are sitting down and doing nothing they will be occupied, safe and happy.

“The potential in this place is amazing.”